Identifying left ventricular dysfunction using prospective electrocardiogram-triggered coronary computed tomography angiography.

PURPOSE: Coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) is an important non-invasive tool for the assessment of coronary artery disease and the delivery of information incremental to coronary anatomy. CCTA measured left ventricular (LV) mid-diastolic volume (LVMDV) and LV mass (LVMass) have important prognostic information but the utility of prospectively ECG-triggered CCTA to predict reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) is unknown. The objective of this study was to determine if indexed LVMDV (LVMDVi) and the LVMDV:LVMass ratio on CCTA can identify patients with reduced LVEF. MATERIALS/METHODS: 8179 patients with prospectively ECG-triggered CCTA between November 2014 and December 2019 were reviewed. A subset derivation cohort of 4352 healthy patients was used to define normal LVMDVi and LVMDV:LVMass. Sex-specific thresholds were tested in a validation cohort of 1783 patients, excluded from the derivation cohort, with cardiac disease and known LVEF. The operating characteristics for 1 SD above the mean were tested for the identification of abnormal LVEF, LVEF≤35 â€‹% and ≤30 â€‹%. RESULTS: The derivation cohort had a mean LVMDVi of 61.0 â€‹± â€‹13.7 â€‹mL/m2 and LVMDV:LVMass of 1.11 â€‹± â€‹0.24 â€‹mL/g. LVMDVi and LVMDV:LVMass were both higher in patients with reduced LVEF than those with normal LVEF (98.8 â€‹± â€‹40.8 â€‹mL/m2 vs. 63.3 â€‹± â€‹19.7 â€‹mL/m2, p â€‹< â€‹0.001, and 1.32 â€‹± â€‹0.44 â€‹mL/g vs. 1.05 â€‹± â€‹0.28 â€‹mL/g, p â€‹< â€‹0.001). Both mean LVMDVi and LVMDV:LVMass increased with the severity of LVEF reduction. Sex-specific LVMDVi thresholds were 79 â€‹% and 80 â€‹% specific for identifying abnormal LVEF in females (LVMDVi â€‹≥ â€‹69.9 â€‹mL/m2) and males (LVMDVi â€‹≥ â€‹78.8 â€‹mL/m2), respectively. LVMDV:LVMass thresholds had high specificity (87 â€‹%) in both females (LVMDVi:LVMass â€‹≥ â€‹1.39 â€‹mL/g) and males (LVMDVi:LVMass â€‹≥ â€‹1.30 â€‹mL/g). CONCLUSION: Our study provides reference thresholds for LVMDVi and LVMDV:LVMass on prospectively ECG-triggered CCTA, which may identify patients who require further LV function assessment.

Comparison of coronary CT angiography versus functional imaging for CABG patients: A resource utilization analysis.

AIMS: The impact of anatomical versus functional testing in patients with prior coronary artery bypass surgery (CABG) is poorly defined. We therefore sought to determine the rates of downstream investigations and the attendant healthcare costs in CABG patients undergoing CCTA versus SPECT. METHODS AND RESULTS: 2754 consecutive CABG patients were imaged by SPECT (2163) or CCTA (591). 425 patients (15.4%) underwent downstream testing which was more common in those imaged with CCTA versus SPECT (23.18% vs 13.31% respectively, p < 0.01). When a propensity score adjustment was made for differences in baseline characteristics, the findings in downstream testing persisted (p < 0.01). When patients who subsequently underwent repeat revascularization (arguably the highest risk patients) were removed from the analysis, downstream testing remained more frequent in CCTA (12.7%) versus SPECT imaged patients (8.8%) (p = 0.01). Costs of downstream tests per patient were two-fold greater in the CCTA group in comparison to the SPECT group ($366.79 ± 29.59 vs $167.35 ± 10.12 respectively, p < 0.01). Conversely, total costs which included the index costs were less in the CCTA group, $764.66 ± 29.59 versus $1396.73 ± 1012 for the SPECT cohort, p < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: Index imaging with SPECT versus CCTA in CABG patients was associated with fewer downstream tests, less ICA, less repeat revascularization but greater expense. Cost however is only part of the decision making process that determines an optimal index test. Until CCTA demonstrates improved risk stratification over SPECT in CABG patients it is likely SPECT will remain the preferred first imaging test.

OUTSMART HF: A Randomized Controlled Trial of Routine Versus Selective Cardiac Magnetic Resonance for Patients With Nonischemic Heart Failure (IMAGE-HF 1B).

BACKGROUND: Cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) is a recommended imaging test for patients with heart failure (HF); however, there is a lack of evidence showing incremental benefit over transthoracic echocardiography. Our primary hypothesis was that routine use of CMR will yield more specific diagnoses in nonischemic HF. Our secondary hypothesis was that routine use of CMR will improve patient outcomes. METHODS: Patients with nonischemic HF were randomized to routine versus selective CMR. Patients in the routine strategy underwent echocardiography and CMR, whereas those assigned to selective use underwent echocardiography with or without CMR according to the clinical presentation. HF causes was classified from the imaging data as well as by the treating physician at 3 months (primary outcome). Clinical events were collected for 12 months. RESULTS: A total of 500 patients (344 male) with mean age 59±13 years were randomized. The routine and selective CMR strategies had similar rates of specific HF causes at 3 months clinical follow-up (44% versus 50%, respectively; P=0.22). At image interpretation, rates of specific HF causes were also not different between routine and selective CMR (34% versus 30%, respectively; P=0.34). However, 24% of patients in the selective group underwent a nonprotocol CMR. Patients with specific HF causes had more clinical events than those with nonspecific caused on the basis of imaging classification (19% versus 12%, respectively; P=0.02), but not on clinical assessment (15% versus 14%, respectively; P=0.49). CONCLUSIONS: In patients with nonischemic HF, routine CMR does not yield more specific HF causes on clinical assessment. Patients with specific HF causes from imaging had worse outcomes, whereas HF causes defined clinically did not. Registration: URL: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov; Unique identifier: NCT01281384.

The Role of Cardiac MR Imaging in the Assessment of Patients with Cardiac Amyloidosis.

Despite recent advancements in newer biomarkers development and improved imaging techniques, the diagnosis of cardiac amyloidosis (CA) remains a frequent clinical challenge. In this setting, cardiac MR (CMR) imaging has emerged as a powerful tool to assess heart morphology and function, with the unique advantage of noninvasive tissue characterization. This article summarizes the CMR imaging common findings in CA and the latest research in this field, including delayed enhancement, native T1 mapping, and extracellular volume quantification.

Myocardial viability: from PARR-2 to IMAGE HF - current evidence and future directions / Viabilidade miocárdica: de PARR-2 a IMAGE HF - evidências atuais e futuras direções

Ischemic heart failure is a growing disease with high morbidity and mortality. Several studies suggest the benefit of viability imaging to assist revascularization decision, but there is controversy. Multiple imaging modalities can be used to accurately define hibernating myocardium; however, the best approach remains uncertain. This review will highlight current evidence and future directions of viability imaging assessment

Is There an Age When Myocardial Perfusion Imaging May No Longer Be Prognostically Useful?

BACKGROUND: Heart disease continues to be the leading cause of death, and the prevalence of coronary artery disease is expected to increase as the population ages. It is important to understand the clinical utility of medical tests, or its lack thereof, in the aging population. The objective of this study was to understand the incremental prognostic value of positron emission tomographic (PET) myocardial perfusion imaging in the elderly (≥85 years of age). METHODS AND RESULTS: A total of 3343 patients enrolled in a multicenter observational PET registry were analyzed. Participants were initially divided into 3 age categories: 65 to 74.9, 75 to 84.9, and ≥85 years of age and followed for all-cause death. Median follow-up time was 3 years. Of the total patient population, 248 patients (49% men) were ≥85 years old. When compared with younger patients, individuals ≥85 years had a higher prevalence of hypertension (79%) and a lower incidence of dyslipidemia (54%) and diabetes mellitus (24%). On multivariable analysis, %left ventricular stress defect and %left ventricular ischemia were predictors of patient outcome for those <85 years of age but was not statistically significant in those ≥85 years of age. The prognostic value of PET (%left ventricular stress defect and %left ventricular ischemia) appeared to decrease with advancing age. CONCLUSIONS: The elderly is a high-risk population irrespective of PET myocardial perfusion imaging results, and incremental prognostic value of PET myocardial perfusion imaging appears to wane in those ≥85 years of age. Although PET myocardial perfusion imaging may be diagnostically useful in the elderly, its prognostic value in this population requires further evaluation.

Optimizing Risk Stratification and Noninvasive Diagnosis of Ischemic Heart Disease in Women.

Ischemic heart disease (IHD) is an important and previously underappreciated cause of significant morbidity and mortality in women. Key differences exist in the pathophysiology, sex-specific risk factors, and clinical presentation in women compared with men, which influence diagnostic accuracy and utility of pretest risk assessments and noninvasive testing. Women are disproportionately affected by ischemia from microvascular dysfunction as evidenced by having less obstructive coronary artery disease on angiography, contributing to the challenge in diagnosis and prognosis of IHD in women via conventional methods, which tend to emphasize detection of epicardial stenoses. In this article, we review the utility, evidence for, and challenges of currently available risk assessments and noninvasive cardiac diagnostic tests in women. We propose an approach to investigation of the symptomatic woman with suspected IHD and selection of the appropriate testing modality. Finally, we explore opportunities for future research and highlight the urgent need for updated, evidence-based, Canadian guidelines specific to women with IHD.

PET Assessment of Epicardial Intimal Disease and Microvascular Dysfunction in Cardiac Allograft Vasculopathy.

BACKGROUND: Cardiac allograft vasculopathy (CAV) is a leading cause of graft failure and death after heart transplantation. Absolute myocardial blood flow (MBF) quantification using rubidium 82 (Rb-82) positron emission tomography (PET) could enable evaluation of diagnostically challenging diffuse epicardial and microvascular disease in CAV. OBJECTIVES: The authors aimed to evaluate Rb-82 PET detection of CAV. METHODS: Consecutive transplant recipients undergoing coronary angiography were prospectively evaluated with PET, multivessel intravascular ultrasound (IVUS), and intracoronary hemodynamics. CAV was defined as International Society of Heart and Lung Transplantation CAV1-3 on angiography and maximal intimal thickness ≥0.5 mm on IVUS. RESULTS: Forty patients (mean age 56 years, 4.8 years post-transplant) completed evaluation. CAV was detected in 32 patients (80%) by IVUS and 14 (35%) by angiography. PET correlated significantly with invasive coronary flow indices: r = 0.29, rate-pressure product-adjusted myocardial flow reserve (cMFR) versus coronary flow reserve; r = 0.28, relative flow reserve versus fractional flow reserve; and r = 0.37, coronary vascular resistance (CVR) versus index of microcirculatory resistance. Patients with CAV or microvascular dysfunction had reduced cMFR and stress MBF and increased CVR. Receiver operator characteristic curves demonstrated good accuracy of PET for CAV on IVUS (area under the curve 0.77 to 0.81) and optimal diagnostic cutoffs of cMFR <2.9, stress MBF <2.3, and CVR >55. Combined PET assessment for CAV yielded excellent >93% sensitivity (>65% specificity) for 1 abnormal parameter and >96% specificity (>55% sensitivity) for 2 abnormal parameters. CONCLUSIONS: Rb-82 PET flow quantification has high diagnostic accuracy for CAV, with potential for noninvasive evaluation after heart transplantation.

Eight-year follow-up of the Clopidogrel After Surgery for Coronary Artery Disease (CASCADE) trial.

OBJECTIVE: In this 8 years' follow-up study, we evaluated the long-term outcomes of the addition of clopidogrel to aspirin during the first year after coronary artery bypass grafting, versus aspirin plus placebo, with respect to survival, major adverse cardiac, or major cerebrovascular events, including revascularization, functional status, graft patency, and native coronary artery disease progression. METHODS: In the initial Clopidogrel After Surgery for Coronary Artery Disease trial, 113 patients were randomized to receive either daily clopidogrel (n = 56) or placebo (n = 57), in addition to aspirin, in a double-blind fashion for 1 year after coronary artery bypass grafting. All patients were re-evaluated to collect long-term clinical data. Surviving patients with a glomerular filtration rate > 30 mL/min were asked to undergo a coronary computed tomography angiogram to evaluate the late saphenous vein graft patency and native coronary artery disease progression. RESULTS: At a median follow-up of 7.6 years, survival rate was 85.5% ± 3.8% (P = .23 between the 2 groups). A trend toward enhanced freedom from all-cause death or major adverse cardiac or cerebrovascular events, including revascularization, was observed in the aspirin-clopidogrel group (P = .11). No difference in functional status or freedom from angina was observed between the 2 groups (P > .57). The long-term patency of saphenous vein graft was 89.11% in the aspirin-clopidogrel group versus 91.23% in the aspirin-placebo group (P = .79). A lower incidence of moderate to severe native disease progression was observed in the aspirin-clopidogrel group versus the aspirin-placebo group (7 out of 122 vs 13 out of 78 coronary segments that showed progression, respectively [odds ratio, 0.3 ± 0.2; 95% confidence interval, 0.1-0.8; P = .02]). CONCLUSIONS: At 8 years' follow-up, the addition of clopidogrel to aspirin during the first year after coronary artery bypass grafting exhibited a lower incidence of moderate to severe progression of native coronary artery disease and a trend toward higher freedom from major adverse cardiac or cerebrovascular events, including revascularization, or death in the aspirin-clopidogrel group. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: http://www.clinicaltrials.gov. Unique identifier: NCT00228423.

Molecular Imaging for the diagnosis of infective endocarditis: A systematic literature review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Infective endocarditis (IE) is a serious, potentially life-threatening condition. Currently, the modified Duke criteria is used to assist with the diagnosis of IE, but it can still remain difficult. Growing data supports the potential use of molecular imaging to assist in the diagnosis of IE. Our objective was to understand the potential utility of 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (18F-FDG) positron emission tomography-computed tomography (PET-CT), 67Ga citrate and radiolabeled white blood cell (WBC) scintigraphy in the diagnosis of IE. METHODS AND RESULTS: A systematic review of the literature and meta-analysis on the use of all 3 modalities in IE was conducted. The literature search identified 2753 articles. A total of 14 studies met the inclusion criteria (10 for 18F-FDG, 3 for WBC and 1 for both modalities). No 67Ga citrate study met the inclusion criteria. Pooled sensitivity of 18F-FDG studies with adequate cardiac preparation for the diagnosis of IE was 81% (95% CI, 73%-86%) and pooled specificity was 85% (95% CI, 78%-91%). There was good overall accuracy with an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.897. Pooled sensitivity of WBC for the diagnosis of IE was 86% (95% CI, 77%-92%) and pooled specificity was 97% (95% CI, 92%-99%). The overall accuracy of WBC was excellent with an AUC of 0.957. CONCLUSIONS: Both 18F-FDG and WBC have good sensitivity, specificity and accuracy for the diagnosis of IE. Both modalities are useful in the investigation of IE, and should be considered in cases where the diagnosis is uncertain.

Cardiac Computed Tomography: Before and After Cardiac Surgery.

Cardiac computed tomography angiography (CCTA) is a noninvasive imaging technique that has been rapidly adopted into clinical practice. Over the past decade, technological advances have improved CCTA accuracy, and there is an increasing amount of data supporting its prognostic value in the assessment of coronary artery disease. Recently, "appropriate use criteria" has been used as a tool to minimize inappropriate testing and reduce patient exposure to unnecessary risk and inconclusive studies. This review will summarize the appropriate uses of CCTA in patients before and after cardiac surgery. Although the most common indication for CCTA is assessment of patency of native coronary arteries, other potential perioperative uses (eg, assessment of congenital heart disease, valvular heart disease, pericardial disease, myocardial disease, cardiac anatomy, bypass grafts, aortic disease, and cardiac masses) will be reviewed.

Appropriate Use Criteria for Cardiac Computed Tomography: Does Computed Tomography Have Incremental Value in All Appropriate Use Criteria Categories?

PURPOSE: Cardiac imaging expenditures have come under scrutiny, and a focus on appropriate use criteria (AUC) has arisen to ensure cost-effective resource utilization. Although AUC has been developed by clinical experts, it has not undergone rigorous quality assurance testing to ensure that inappropriate indications for testing yield little clinical benefit. The objective of the study was to evaluate the potential incremental prognostic value of coronary computed tomographic angiography (CCTA) in the different AUC categories. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Consecutive patients enrolled into a cardiac CT Registry were collated. Patient indications were reviewed and based on the 2010 AUC (appropriate, uncertain, and inappropriate). Patients were followed-up for death, myocardial infarction (MI), and late revascularization, with the primary composite endpoint being cardiac death, nonfatal MI, and late revascularization. The prognostic value of CCTA over clinical variables in each of the AUC categories was assessed. RESULTS: Indications for CCTA were appropriate, uncertain, and inappropriate in 1284 (66.5%), 312 (16.2%), and 334 (17.3%) patients, respectively. Rates of all-cause of death, cardiac death, nonfatal MI, and late revascularization were similar across patients with appropriate, uncertain, and inappropriate indications for CCTA. Moreover, in each AUC category, CCTA had incremental prognostic value over a routine clinical risk score (National Cholesterol Education Program) with hazard ratios of 9.98, 7.39, and 5.61. CONCLUSIONS: CCTA has incremental prognostic value in all AUC categories, even when the reason for the study was deemed "inappropriate." This suggests that CCTA may still have clinical value in "inappropriate" indications and that further quality assurance AUC studies are needed.

N-Terminal Pro B-Type Natriuretic Peptide and High-Sensitivity Cardiac Troponin T Levels Are Related to the Extent of Hibernating Myocardium in Patients With Ischemic Heart Failure.

BACKGROUND: Increased N-terminal pro b-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) and high-sensitivity cardiac troponin T (hs-cTnT) can identify patients with heart failure (HF) who are at increased risk of cardiac events. The relationship of these biomarkers to the extent of hibernating myocardium and scar has not been previously characterized in patients with ischemic left ventricular dysfunction and HF. METHODS: Patients with ischemic HF meeting recruitment criteria and undergoing perfusion and fluorodeoxyglucose-positron emission tomography to define myocardial hibernation and scar were included in the study. A total of 39 patients (mean age 67 ± 8 years) with New York Heart Association class II-IV HF and ischemic cardiomyopathy (ejection fraction [EF], 27.9% ± 8.5%) were enrolled in the study. RESULTS: Serum NT-proBNP and hs-cTnT levels were elevated in patients with ≥ 10% hibernating myocardium compared with those with < 10% (NT-pro-BNP, 7419.10 ± 7169.5 pg/mL vs 2894.6 ± 2967.4 pg/mL; hs-cTnT, 789.3 ± 1835.3 pg/mL vs 44.8 ± 78.9 pg/mL; P < 0.05). The overall receiver operating characteristic under the curve value for NT-proBNP and hs-cTnT to predict hibernating myocardium was 0.76 and 0.78, respectively (P < 0.05). The NT-proBNP (P = 0.02) and hs-cTnT (P < 0.0001) levels also correlated with hibernation, particularly in patients with ≥ 10% scar, independent of EF, age, and estimated glomerular filtration rate. No differences were noted in biomarker levels for patients with vs those without ≥ 10% scar. CONCLUSIONS: NT-proBNP and hs-cTnT levels are elevated in patients with ischemic HF hibernation and are correlated with the degree of hibernation but not with the presence or extent of scar. Taken together, these data support the novel concept that NT-proBNP and hs-cTnT release in patients with ischemic HF reflects the presence and extent of hibernating myocardium.

Prognostic value of segment involvement score compared to other measures of coronary atherosclerosis by computed tomography: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: The segment involvement score (SIS) is a semiquantitative measure of the extent of atherosclerosis burden by coronary computed tomography angiography (CTA). We sought to evaluate by meta-analysis the prognostic value of SIS, and to compare it with other CTA measures of coronary artery disease (CAD). METHODS: Electronic databases from 1946 to January 2016 were searched. Studies reporting SIS, or an equivalent measure by coronary CTA, and clinical outcomes were included. Maximally adjusted hazard ratios (HR), predominantly for clinical variables, were extracted for SIS, obstructive CAD, Agatston coronary artery calcium score, and plaque composition. These were pooled using DerSimonian-Laird random effects models. RESULTS: Eleven nonrandomized studies with good methodological quality enrolling 9777 subjects (mean age 61 ± 11 years, 57% male, mean follow up 3.3 years) who had 472 (4.8%) MACE (cardiac or all cause death, non-fatal myocardial infarction or late revascularization), were included. SIS (per segment increase) had pooled HR of 1.25 (95% CI: 1.16,1.35; I2 = 71.4%, p < 0.001) for MACE. HR for MACE was 1.37 (95% CI: 1.32,1.42; I2 = 95.6%, p < 0.001) for number of segments with stenosis (per segment increase), 3.39 (95% CI: 1.65,6.99; I2 = 87.8%, p = 0.001) for obstructive CAD (binary variable) and 1.00 (95% CI: 1.00,1.01; I2 = 75.0%, p = 0.490) for Agatston score (per unit increase). HRs by plaque composition (calcified, non-calcified and mixed; per segment change) were 1.24 (95% CI: 1.10,1.39; I2 = 81.6%, p = 0.001), 1.20 (95% CI: 0.97,1.48; I2 = 92.9%, p = 0.093) and 1.27 (95% CI: 1.03,1.58; I2 = 89.8%, p = 0.029), respectively. CONCLUSION: Despite heterogeneity in endpoints, extent of CAD as quantified by SIS on coronary CTA is a strong, independent predictor of cardiovascular events.

Mid-diastolic left ventricular volume and mass: Normal values for coronary computed tomography angiography.

BACKGROUND: The adoption of prospectively ECG-triggered acquisition coronary computed tomography angiography (CTA) has resulted in the inability to measure left ventricle (LV) end-diastolic volume and LV ejection fraction. However other prognostic measures such as LV mass and LV mid-diastolic volume (LVMDV) can still be assessed. The objective of this study is to establish normal reference values for LVMDV and LV mass. METHODS: Left ventricular mid-diastolic volumes and LV mass were prospectively measured in 2647 consecutive 'normal' patients undergoing prospectively ECG-triggered coronary CTA. Patients with known coronary artery disease (prior myocardial infarction or prior revascularization), heart failure, congenital heart disease, heart transplant or prior cardiac surgery were excluded. Commercially available software was used to calculate the LVMDV and LV mass. RESULTS: Among the 2647 patient cohort (mean age = 58 years, 54% men), the mean LVMDV indexed for body surface area was 57.5 ± 15.3 mL/m2 and 64.5 ± 20.2 mL/m2 for women and men, respectively. The mean indexed LV mass was 52.2 ± 10.9 g/m2 for women and 63.6 ± 13.7 g/m2 for men. Indexed LVMDV decreased with increasing age. The presence of hypertension, diabetes and obstructive coronary artery disease did not have a clinically relevant impact on these values. Age and sex specific upper limits of normal were defined. CONCLUSION: We establish normal reference ranges for LVMDV and LV mass using prospectively ECG-triggered coronary CTA. These benchmarks may identify patients at increased risk of adverse events, supporting the potential for clinical reporting of these metrics.

Using coronary calcification to exclude an ischemic etiology for cardiomyopathy: A validation study and systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Preliminary data suggests the absence of coronary artery calcification (CAC) excludes ischemic etiologies of cardiomyopathy. We prospectively validate and perform a systematic review to determine the utility of an Agatston score=0 to exclude the diagnosis of ischemic cardiomyopathy. METHODS AND RESULTS: Patients with newly diagnosed LV dysfunction were prospectively enrolled. Patients underwent CAC imaging and were followed until an etiologic diagnosis of cardiomyopathy was made. Eighty-two patients were enrolled in the study and underwent CAC imaging with 81.7% patients having non-ischemic cardiomyopathy. An Agatston score=0 successfully excluded an ischemic etiology for cardiomyopathy with a specificity of 100% (CI: 74.7-100%) and a positive predictive value of 100% (CI: 85.0%-100%). A systematic literature review was performed and studies were deemed suitable for inclusion if: 1) patients with CHF, cardiomyopathy or LV dysfunction were enrolled, 2) underwent CAC imaging and patients were assessed for an Agatston score=0 or the absence of CAC, and 3) the final etiologic diagnosis (ischemic or non-ischemic) was provided. Eight studies provided sufficient information to calculate operating characteristics for an Agatston score=0 and were combined with our validation cohort for a total of 754 patients. An Agatston score=0 excluded ischemic cardiomyopathy with specificity and positive predictive values of 98.4% (CI: 95.6-99.5%), and 98.3% (CI: 95.5-99.5%), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with cardiomyopathy of unknown etiology, an Agatston score=0 appears to rule out an ischemic etiology. A screening CAC may be a simple and cost-effective method of triaging patients, identifying those who do and do not need additional CAD investigations.

Real-time cardiac magnetic resonance cine imaging with sparse sampling and iterative reconstruction for left-ventricular measures: Comparison with gold-standard segmented steady-state free precession.

BACKGROUND: Segmented cine imaging with a steady-state free-precession sequence (Cine-SSFP) is currently the gold standard technique for measuring ventricular volumes and mass, but due to multi breath-hold (BH) requirements, it is prone to misalignment of consecutive slices, time consuming and dependent on respiratory capacity. Real-time cine avoids those limitations, but poor spatial and temporal resolution of conventional sequences has prevented its routine application. We sought to examine the accuracy and feasibility of a newly developed real-time sequence with aggressive under-sampling of k-space using sparse sampling and iterative reconstruction (Cine-RT). METHODS: Stacks of short-axis cines were acquired covering both ventricles in a 1.5T system using gold standard Cine-SSFP and Cine-RT. Acquisition parameters for Cine-SSFP were: acquisition matrix of 224×196, temporal resolution of 39ms, retrospective gating, with an average of 8 heartbeats per slice and 1-2 slices/BH. For Cine-RT: acquisition matrix of 224×196, sparse sampling net acceleration factor of 11.3, temporal resolution of 41ms, prospective gating, real-time acquisition of 1 heart-beat/slice and all slices in one BH. LV contours were drawn at end diastole and systole to derive LV volumes and mass. RESULTS: Forty-one consecutive patients (15 male; 41±17years) in sinus rhythm were successfully included. All images from Cine-SSFP and Cine-RT were considered to have excellent quality. Cine-RT-derived LV volumes and mass were slightly underestimated but strongly correlated with gold standard Cine-SSFP. Inter- and intra-observer analysis presented similar results between both sequences. CONCLUSIONS: Cine-RT featuring sparse sampling and iterative reconstruction can achieve spatial and temporal resolution equivalent to Cine-SSFP, providing excellent image quality, with similar precision measurements and highly correlated and only slightly underestimated volume and mass values.